Amsterdam Noord

Explore Amsterdam Noord and NDSM Wharf

Amsterdam Noord or Amsterdam North sits across the River IJ from central Amsterdam. Arriving in Central Station, the river flows behind the station and we easily made our way across using the free Amsterdam ferry.

There are multiple attractions in Amsterdam Noord. There has been significant upgrades and transformations over the years making this area of Amsterdam a very attractive and popular place to visit or base yourself when in Amsterdam.

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How to get to Amsterdam Noord from Central Amsterdam

To get to Amsterdam Noord from Central Amsterdam is super easy. It can also be free.

Line 52 of the metro (subway) will take you across the river to Noord Station, this journey will cost between €1-2 and is the quickest way across taking about 4-mins.

But, in our opinion the nicest way across the River IJ to Amsterdam Noord is using the free ferries that are situated at the back of Central Station. You can walk through Amsterdam Central Station to the back or do as did and walk around the station (to the left as you face it) and under a bypass, appearing at the back of the station with lovely views over the river.

For a visitor to Amsterdam this is a free sightseeing cruise across the river and depending on which part of Noord you are heading for can take between 5-15mins. You’ll join lots of walking passengers, cyclists and moped riders. You can go inside or stay outside at the back or front of the ferry.

Learn more about Amsterdam’s free ferries.

Things to do in Amsterdam Noord

There is a wealth of things to do in Amsterdam Noord. There are major attractions located along the river front like ADAM Lookout, the Eye FilmMuseum, Straat Museum and This is Holland.

There are also multiple restaurants, green spaces to explore, lovely cycle rides, cinema, ten pin bowling and many artisan and boutique shops. We found the atmosphere here was very relaxing, like you were wandering around a big park dotted with places to visit and peoples homes. It’s a more relaxed less people intense area of Amsterdam, so a lovely refresher outside the city centre itself.

A’DAM Lookout Tower

You cannot really miss A’DAM Lookout. It sits virtually opposite the back of Central Station and towers above every other building. There are a few reasons to include ADAM Lookout on your itiniary. First it will give you one of the best views across Amsterdam possible. The view can be specatacular. To make the most of this, the tower has a rotating restaurant which will gives you views over both Amsterdam Noord and Central Amsterdam. There is a also a cocktail bar and right at the very top a swing that hangs out over the side of the building for those with the nerve.

Eye FilmMuseum

Sitting next to ADAM Lookout is the Eye FilmMuseum. This iconic building is hard to miss and beautiful to behold. Inside youy’ll find a museum that explores everything about cinema with a treasure trove of interesting artefacts, exhibitions and events. There is a also a cinema here showing various films, new and classic.

This is Holland

Sneaked in-between Eye FilmMuseum and ADAM Lookout is the 5D flight experience, This is Holland. This is a virtual simulator attraction that will take you around Holland on a fun and interactive theme park style ride that kids will love.

NDSM Amsterdam

NDSM Amsterdam is part of Amsterdam Noord and is located around NDSM Wharf which is a former shipyard. This large shipyard has undergone a major transformation which has made NDSM Amsterdam a true cultural hub for art, events, museums, bars, restaurants and festivals. Lots of businesses in the creative industry choose to base themselves here.

One of the free ferry routes will take you straight to NDSM Wharf which is also home to the Straat Museum, one of our favourite museums in Amsterdam and reason enough to visit alone.

Straat Museum

This is a street art museum and is in essence a huge warehouse with equally huge installations of street art and graffiti. The works featured in Straat Museum are as modern as it gets and dwarf visitors. The museum features some of the world’s best known artists in this genre.

Amsterdam Noord Amsterdam

Listed above were some of the key attractions, but there is plenty more to experience and see and do in Amsterdam Noord.

Nooderpark

This park will give you a peaceful escape from the city with plenty of green space to wander through on the walking paths and a lovely lake. It’s a popular place for a picnic.

Pathé Amsterdam Noord

If you are looking for a modern cinema then Pathé Amsterdam Noord is a modern multiscreen complex with a bowling alley attached. It is located on Buikslotermeerplein, close to Amsterdam Noord Metro Station.

Cycle in Noord

If you have your bike then you’ll be able to explore Amsterdam Noord with ease. There are wonderful cyle routes throughout the area, with scenic routes along the river front and further inland too. As you can take your bike with you for free across the river it really is a great way to explore the area.

Het Twiske

Just outside Amsterdam Noord Het Twiske offers the chance of hiking, cycling, boating and  swimming in a lovely natural setting.

De Ceuvel

De Ceuvel is an innovative sustainable urban development which features houseboats and workspaces built on floating platforms. There is a nice cafe here serving organic food in a relaxed setting.

Pllek

Pllek is a popular restaurant and area built from old shipping containers. You will find live music, yoga classes, good food and even a beach area.

Wondr Experience

One of the newest attractions across the river is WONDR, which is going to be an instagrammers paradise. Visit and you’ll find yourself in an adults playground of fun, taking you back to your childhood or enhancing your current childhood. You can sing, dance, dive into marshmallows, get lost in a huge ball pit and much more. Designed to thrill the imagination and connect you with your inner child.

Hotels in Amsterdam Noord

Amsterdam Noord is often overlooked as a place to stay by visitors to Amsterdam. It is likely due to seeing the river between it and central Amsterdam. Whilst Central Amsterdam will always be the most popular place to stay in Amsterdam, you do pay a premium for this.

Amsterdam Noord is a vibrant and well served area of Amsterdam and for many can feel like an escape from the busy city. With a metro line taking you into central Amsterdam in 4-mins and a free ferry running very late into the night, it should not be overlooked.

You’ll also find excellent value by staying just across the river from the city centre.

Our favouite hotels in Amsterdam Noord include:

Tribe Amsterdam

Close to Noorderpark, set back a little bit from the river is this highly rated modern hotel. Extremely close to the metro station Noord. This means tribe hotel boasts a seriously good location for those wishing to stay slightly outside the centre, but be able to be in the heart of the city within minutes. It has modern rooms, a fitness centre, private parking, bar and breakfast available. Explore Tribe Amsterdam

NH Amsterdam Noord

Again slightly back from the river front, but this hotel includes a free daily shuttle to Amsterdam Central Station. There is a fitness centre, two restaurants with International cuisine, breakfast available along with modern well equipped rooms. Explore NH Noord

Doubletree by Hilton Amsterdam – NDSM Wharf

This chain hotel offers lovely views of the river, a restaurant, bar and fitness centre along with everything you would expect from a Hilton hotel. Explore Doubletree by Hilton NDSM Wharf

Botel

You cannot get closer to the River IJ than staying on it. The Botel is very recognisable and you’ll get river views and comfortable rooms at a good price. Explore Botel

Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – North Riverside

Excellent value three-star hotel with private parking, free Wi-Fi, restaurant, terrace and a good breakfast. Explore Holiday Inn Express North Riverside

Sir Adam Hotel, part of Sircle Collection

Located in the A’DAM Tower with stunning views of the city and IJ River, Sir Adam Hotel offers stylish rooms with modern amenities. It’s known for its trendy design, lively atmosphere, and rooftop bar. Explore Sir Adam Hotel

Shopping in Amsterdam Noord

Shopping in Amsterdam Noord offers a mix of unique boutiques, vintage stores and markets. It may not have the extensive shopping options of central Amsterdam, but its main draw is the famous IJ-Hallen, a huge market held once a month.

Van Dijk en Ko

This vintage warehouse is a treasure trove of retro clothing, furniture, and accessories. You can find everything from quirky garments to one-of-a-kind decor pieces.

IJ-Hallen

Held monthly, IJ-Hallen is one of Europe’s largest flea markets. It’s a paradise for bargain hunting with hundreds of stalls selling second-hand clothing, antiques, books and more. It is held over the weekend only (Sat/Sun) and usually around the start of the month. IJ Hallen Market Calendar.

NDSM Wharf

The NDSM area is known for its creative and alternative vibe. You’ll find a variety of shops and studios selling handmade goods, art and unique souvenirs. Keep an eye out for pop-up markets and events in this area as well.

Noordermarkt

Held every Monday, this small market near Noorderpark offers a selection of fresh produce, clothing, jewelry and other goods from local vendors.